by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama spends Friday with a major ally, discussing Russia, Ukraine, and U.S. intelligence gathering policies.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits the White House to discuss the West's response to Russia's incursion into Ukraine.

The U.S. and European Union slapped new sanctions on Russia earlier this week.

This is Merkel's first trip to Washington since reports that the National Security Agency had intercepted some of her phone calls. The Obama administration is revamping is intelligence gathering policies, and has reportedly pledged to stop eavesdropping on Merkel's calls.

Obama and Merkel will also discuss "promoting economic growth, supporting the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, cooperating within NATO, supporting democracy in Europe's east, and meeting shared security and economic challenges around the globe," says the White House schedule.

After the bilateral meeting, the American and German leaders will conduct a news conference and hold a working lunch.

Also on Obama's schedule Friday: A meeting with Asian American and Pacific Islander business and faith leaders to discuss immigration policy.